The Office of the Public Protector Zambia (OPPZ) has strengthened its collaboration with civil society organizations by signing three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Kitwe District Land Alliance (KDLA), Peopleβs Action for Accountability and Good Governance in Zambia (PAAGZ), and Active Green Plus Institute (AGPI).
The signing ceremony took place on Friday, May 16, 2025 in Ndola, Copperbelt Province, and marked a strategic step towards promoting transparency, fairness, and citizen-focused public administration.
The Chief Administrator of the OPPZ, Mr. Kebby M. Hakalima, said that the MoUs are intended to foster cooperation in addressing maladministration in the public sector, particularly in areas such as land governance, public service delivery, and environmental management.
Mr. Hakalima stated that the agreements will strengthen referral systems, enhance the handling of complaints, and facilitate joint efforts in public sensitisation, capacity building, and feedback mechanisms to ensure citizens receive timely responses and redress.
And people’s People’s Action for Accountability and Good Governance in Zambia (PAAGZ) Board Chairperson, Ms. Laura Miti, who spoke on behalf of her organisation, said the collaboration will empower marginalised communities to demand quality services and accountability from public institutions. She was accompanied by PAAGZ Executive Director, Mr. Khazike Sakala who signed the MoU on behalf of PAAGZ.
On the other hand, Kitwe District Land Alliance (KDLA) Coordinator, Mr. Felix Chipoya, noted that strong and fair public systems are critical pillars of democracy. He was accompanied by Mr. Gerald Mutelo the board member.
Meanwhile, Ms. Emma Kabwe, representing Active Green Plus Institute (AGPI), described the MoU between the OPPZ and her organization as a reflection of shared commitment to justice, transparency, and sustainability in public affairs.
The ceremony was also attended by the Chief Investigations Officer Systemic of the OPPZ, Mr. Victor Siulanda, along with staff from all the three participating organizations.
The MoUs are expected to contribute significantly to the fight against maladministration by supporting citizens’ participation, improved service delivery, and enhanced accountability in governance.
The signing of these MoUs underscores the OPPZβs dedication to working with civil society actors to promote good governance and build a governance system that is citizen-focused, responsive, and anchored on accountability, fairness, and the rule of law.
The Office of the Public Protector reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure that the voices of all Zambians, especially those in underserved communities, are heard and acted upon.
